This summer, licenced fishers can fish for abalone between 7am and 8am only on four designated sessions across December 2023 to February 2024:
- 9th December 2023
- 13th January 2024
- 3rd February 2024
- 17th February 2024
Having all the fishing sessions occur on Saturdays enables Surf Life Saving WA (SLSWA) to maximise its resources so that lifesavers can monitor the abalone fishers in many of the popular fishing locations along the Perth metropolitan coast. The role of SLSWA along with the many volunteers assisting them, is to provide valuable support in monitoring fishers to ensure they are kept as safe as possible.
Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Principal Fisheries Management Officer Shirree Blazeski said SLSWA provided a highly important service, and we thank them for their continued commitment in keeping beachgoers safe.
“Fishers taking part should ensure they have sufficient water safety skills so that they can manage the ocean conditions. It is also very important that participants have clothing and gear that is suitable for abalone fishing,” Mrs Blazeski said.
“Licensed abalone fishers who plan to take part in the WCZ season between Moore River and the Busselton Jetty will be notified if unsafe conditions are forecast and if an abalone fishing session may need to be cancelled.”
“If a fishing session is cancelled, a replacement session may be added to the end of the season if predicted catches don’t exceed the total allowable recreational catch. This replacement session, if required, is scheduled for 9 March 2024.”
DPIRD Compliance officers will be at WCZ abalone fishing locations along the coast throughout the season. The Fisheries Education team will also attend some locations to provide fishers with information, and DPIRD researchers and volunteers will be there to help count catches as part of the in-season assessment to ensure this unique fishery remains sustainable.
The abalone fishing rules are available online at rec_licence_abalone.pdf (fish.wa.gov.au).
We urge anyone heading to WA’s beaches at any time to switch on their Sea Sense – check www.sharksmart.com.au or download the SharkSmart WA app. The app combines the latest shark activity, as well as beach safety features such as Surf Life Saving WA patrolled beaches and weather forecasts to help people plan their trips to the ocean.
